DLR's Responsive Space Cluster Competence Centre (RSC³) in Trauen is a unique research facility in Germany that addresses in a holistic way the topic of Responsive Space. This exciting field of research deals with the question of how to respond faster, more flexibly and securely in space with the goal of increasing the overall resilience of critical infrastructures in space. To this end, innovative concepts and technologies are analyzed, developed and demonstrated at the RSC³.
What to expect
The Technology Demonstration Department acts as an overarching framework, bringing together individual and system technologies in demonstrations and applications on a scientific basis within the context of relevant missions. It researches and develops methods and procedures for the execution of missions in the context of Responsive Space. The department’s aim is to progressively secure and implement national and European projects. These are diverse projects, each of which has its own specific focus. Individual project teams are formed to work on the individual projects, with the composition of the teams based on the respective technical focus of the project.
In order to tailor the focus of the technology demonstrations specifically to the needs of end-users, the department establishes and maintains contacts with relevant stakeholders.
Your tasks
- Analysis of security gaps in the field of ‘Responsive Space’ and development of holistic security concepts, validated through simulation environments developed in-house.
- Taking charge of project management and system engineering for demonstration missions (on-orbit robotics, Earth observation) and translating military requirements into precise technical specifications.
- Development of operational concepts (CONOPS), definition of interface standards for modular expandability, and development of test methods for operational verification.
- Identification of strategically relevant technologies, creation of prioritisation guidelines and initiation of demonstrators to translate architectural approaches into verifiable capabilities.
- Planning of studies, monitoring of calls for tenders, networking with industry partners and acquisition of external funding for new projects.
- Establishing and maintaining a relationship of trust with the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg) and security authorities, as well as translating complex technical advances into strategic advantages for policy-makers.
- Supervising students, publishing research findings, developing training materials and conducting workshops to ensure sustainable knowledge exchange.
Your profile
- A completed university degree (Master’s / University Diploma) in the natural sciences (e.g. physics, computer science) or engineering (e.g. aerospace engineering / space systems engineering) or other degree programmes relevant to the role
- Expertise and experience in the technology or operation of satellite systems in one or more of the key spacecraft systems: Thermal management, structures, power, propulsion, flight dynamics, communications, on-board guidance and control, specialised payloads (e.g. space robotics) and ground TT&C systems.
- Experience in robotics and/or model-based systems engineering
- Experience in the development of system documentation, requirements definition, test plans and procedures, as well as operational procedures
- Experience in business development
- Knowledge of communication with government departments (e.g., BMVg, BMFTR)
- Proven verbal and written communication skills, as well as business-level proficiency in German and English (minimum C1 level)
Remuneration will be paid up to pay group 13 TVöD depending on qualifications and tasks assigned.
Hint: Security clearance as well as the willingness to security clearance pursuant to §§ 8 ff. Security Clearance Act (SÜG) is a condition for employment at DLR
We look forward to getting to know you!
If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 5041) please contact:
Dr. Christopher Karl Glaser
Tel.: +49 5055 596 76
